In the blink of an eye, he vanishes from my sight, leaving only the echo of the slamming door to jolt me out of my stupor, my heart still thundering in his absence.
Butterflies flutter in my stomach that have nothing to do with the day’s events. Instead, it comes from the anticipation of sitting in Bonding class. I have a general idea of what the Bonding ceremony entails—at least as much as any outsider can understand—but I suspect that this class will delve into the complexities of The Ceremony far beyond the brief overview I received over break. My tutor had been too embarrassed to elaborate, claiming she had never witnessed a Ceremony firsthand. Only seers, a security detail, and the potential Bonds are permitted inside during such a sacred event.
“I just don’t understand why we have to Bond at all. Can’t we just choose whoever we want and move on?” Sienna, the new girl, questions Gunnar. Her voice grates on my nerves. Both are recent transfers from Coriat Academy in the Okenen Kingdom, and I can’t help but feel intrigued by their friendship with Anders. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to really get to know either of them, but I’m aware that she’s a senior in Sky Division, the same woman who was sofriendlywith Anders.
“Sienna, just sit your ass down and keep quiet. You know it doesn’t work like that,” Gunnar challenges, arms crossed and a teasing grin on his face. “Who would you even pick? Choose one person right now.”
“Ryker, duh,” she replies, rolling her eyes and picking at her obnoxiously long, perfectly manicured nails. I can’t help but wonder how she manages to fight with those claws. Gunnar laughs deeply, practically folding over his desk. It’s hard not to notice he’s another one of those strikingly handsome guys, which only reinforces my belief that good looks are a prerequisite for being part of Anders’ tightly-knit crew.
Anders always seems to draw a crowd wherever he goes. He attracts women like a magnet and carries that distinct aura of indifference, paired with a palpable “don’t-talk-to-me” vibe. I’ve watched several women approach him over the past few weeks, attempting small talk, only to be met with his blank stare. Sienna is particularly irritating. Something about her is different from the other women. There’s some connection between her and Anders that I haven’t been able to pinpoint.
On the other hand, Gunnar appears to thrive on the attention from the women around him, wrapping his arms around the ladies Anders is so quick to dismiss.
I’m desperately trying not to eavesdrop, but I find myself curious why she would choose Anders over anyone. A ridiculous surge of jealousy grips me, twisting my insides. He isn’t mine, and I don’t even want him, yet here I am, fighting the urge to lash out at the blonde sitting behind me.
I try to dismiss my moment of jealousy as a product of my nerves from the day’s events. Strangely, I see Anders as my current refuge, a temporary escape from the chaos surrounding me. That’s all it is, nothing more. I remind myself that it has nothing to do with the fact that Sienna embodies the kind of girl Anders is likely drawn to. Tall, with cascading blonde curls that brush her hips, honeyed skin from endless days at the beach, large breasts, and large, doe-like brown eyes that are somehow both inviting and mischievous. Everything about her radiates confidence, sensuality, and a playful spirit.
“Pray, do tell why Ryker is your choice,” Gunnar muses, his laughter bubbling up again, clearly amused by her declaration.
Sienna leans back in her chair, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “Well, they want me to Bond with Cole, but I’ve always thought Ryker was the hotter of the two. I mean, he’s going to be king someday. Why would I settle for Bonding with a prince when I could bag a king?”
As she speaks, Gunnar’s jaw drops in mock disbelief. With a flick, she resumes tapping her ridiculously long nails against her tablet. “Trust me, Ryker wouldn’t mind at all. I’ve seen that man every summer for the past six years, and every summer, he’s more than willing to...flirt back.”
A soft huff escapes my lips as I turn towards the dais, and a wave of frustration washes over me. I find myself increasingly reluctant to listen to her drivel about snagging Anders as if he’s a trophy, not an actual person.
The tension wrapping around my chest surprises me. I’ve started feeling a strange attachment towards Cole, which troubles me. The last thing I want is to develop any connection with the Rykerson brothers. Yet, an inexplicable pull within me makes me believe they somehow belong to me. The thought is amusing in its absurdity. I must have really taken a hit if I’m entertaining such ideas.
Kellan settles into the chair next to me with his usual relaxed demeanor, and I feel an immediate comfort in Ciara’s presence on my other side. A slight pang of guilt tightens in my chest at not telling them about my near-kidnapping. After all, did anything significant really happen? I’ve always prided myself on my honesty with them, yet this secret feels alarmingly close to deception.
I gently shove thoughts of today’s events into a corner of my mind, locking them away for now. Right now, I want to focus on the present. Those emotions can simmer in their box until I’m ready to face them—later…or never.
The hall is alive with the chatter of students and barely contained excitement from all three dorms. As I glance around the room, I noticehow everyone scans the crowd, each searching for their potential future spouse among the sea of faces.
The atmosphere shifts suddenly, charged with an electric energy that prickles the back of my neck. I sense him before I even see him. There’s a captivating mix of blues, purples, pinks, and golds from the Bond that spiral around me, signaling Anders’ arrival,finally. There’s an undeniable warmth in the connection between us.
Over the past six weeks, my Bond with Anders has deepened in ways I never expected. It’s become so significant that ignoring it feels impossible. I catch a glimpse of him taking a seat directly behind me, a breath away from Sienna.
Jealousy is an irrational emotion, and I despise how it twists within me. I take a deep breath to steady myself, trying to calm the flood of feelings that threaten to overwhelm my thoughts. It’s not as if I expected him to actually greet me and say hello. His earlier outburst in my room only stemmed from a place of frustration, not genuine concern for me. Yet, even with that quiet reprimand, the knot of longing and hurt remains.
Professor Becca enters the room, struggling with a large box, her chestnut hair framing her face as it sways gently, obscuring her vision. “Everyone, may I have your attention, please?” she calls out. Leaning against the table at the front of the Executive Hall, she beams with warmth. Behind her, the sun dips below the horizon, casting a palette of pinks and oranges across the sky. “I can sense your excitement! Good. For the seniors here, you’re familiar with a version of this class from last year, but I’m thrilled to share that it will be a bit different this time around. Over the break, I took the time to completely revise the curriculum to ensure you feel fully prepared for what lies ahead.”
“Excuse me, sorry!” a new student exclaims as he rushes in. “Chancellor Xara sent me. I’m transferring from Traven Academy.” I catch a glimpse of him from my spot. He’s cute, with short black hair, a tall frame, and mocha skin complemented by striking chocolate-brown eyes. When he turns to face the room, his gaze meets mine, and a charming smile spreads across his face.
“Please take a seat, Lord Jensn,” Professor Becca instructs softly.My heart races as Jensn navigates the stairs to the Taeolyn section, stopping right in front of me and offering a respectful bow.Gods, allow the floor to swallow me whole.Kellan shifts uncomfortably beside me.
“I’m Jensn Vigor from Ateria.” He meets my gaze while some students around us stifle their laughter. His accent is distinctly from Soren in Mori. The color of hazy blue swirls between us. I can feel my cheeks flush as almost everyone’s attention is focused on us, so I nod quickly, caught between unease and embarrassment.
“Princess Raea from—” I start to say.
“I know,” he replies with a bright grin before finding his seat in the Veker row across from me.
Ciara nudges me playfully with a twinkle in her eye. I can practically feel the burn of Anders’ gaze behind me along with the waves of jealousy emanating from Kellan beside me.
“All right, everyone,” Professor Becca continues, her attention sweeping across the room. She calls up senior representatives from each dorm, inviting the women to the front to distribute crisp white folders to the senior women. She then hands out sage-colored folders to us junior ladies.
“The goal of this class,” she explains earnestly, “is to deepen your understanding of the Bond. We will explore the purpose of The Ceremony, all that the Bond entails, how it can be lost, and the powers that may be received. Most importantly, we’ll discuss the emotions you’re already likely experiencing.” She scans the room thoughtfully, her gaze drifting over the sea of juniors and seniors.
“How many of you have felt a hint of your Bond? Maybe a gentle tug or a brief spark? If you haven’t sensed anything yet, don’t worry. I assure you, you will.”
